What should I do after an arrest in Salt Lake City?

Stay calm, do not answer questions, and request a lawyer. Avoid consent to searches, note names/badge numbers, and call (801) 955-9500 for a free consult.

Can my charges be reduced or dismissed?

Often possible depending on the evidence, legality of the stop or search, witness credibility, and your history. Options include dismissal, reduction, diversion, or trial.

Do I need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?

Yes. Counsel can challenge evidence, negotiate better terms, protect immigration/employment rights, and avoid unexpected consequences.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City, UT

Charged with a crime in Salt Lake City or Salt Lake County? Our defense team moves fast to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and pursue dismissals or reductions. Free 24/7 consultation.

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What To Do Right Now

Do not explain or negotiate with officers or detectives—politely request a lawyer.
Preserve evidence: texts, video, location data, and witness info.
Write down details (time, place, who was present, what was searched/seized).
Follow release conditions (no-contact, testing, check-ins) to avoid new charges.

Salt Lake City Cases We Defend

Misdemeanors & felonies
DUI
Drug crimes
Assault & domestic allegations
Theft & property crimes
Sex-crime allegations
Protective-order violations
Probation violations
Expungements/record relief.

How We Fight Your Case

Illegal stop/search? We file suppression motions.
Statements & interviews: challenge Miranda and voluntariness.
Forensics & chain of custody: scrutinize lab work, body/dash-cam, and digital evidence.
Negotiation & mitigation: targeted reductions, diversion, and treatment-based resolutions.
Trial-ready: we prepare as if the case will be tried so prosecutors take it seriously.

Salt Lake City Overview

Most criminal cases in the Salt Lake area start in Salt Lake City Justice Court (city misdemeanors/traffic) or in the Third District Court for Salt Lake County (felonies and many misdemeanors) in downtown Salt Lake City. After an arrest or citation you’ll have an arraignment, then pre-trial conferences, motion practice (e.g., to suppress evidence), and—if needed—trial. Release conditions can include no-contact orders, testing, and check-ins; violating them creates new problems, so call us early to address changes or modifications.

What to expect locally

Early evidence review: body-cam/dash-cam, 911 audio, lab reports, search-warrant materials.
Targeted negotiations with city or county prosecutors; diversion or treatment options may be available in appropriate cases.
Fast filings to protect deadlines for suppression and other dispositive motions.
Clear guidance on collateral issues (work, school, immigration, firearms, sealing/expungement).

Where we appear

Salt Lake City Justice Court • Third District Court (Salt Lake Dept.) • Nearby municipal courts throughout the valley.

Nearby areas we serve
Salt Lake City, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Holladay, Murray, South Salt Lake, West Valley City, and surrounding communities.

Why Choose Zabriskie Law Firm in SLC?

Local knowledge + 24/7 access from our Salt Lake City office
Thousands of criminal cases defended across Utah courts
Bilingual team — Se habla español
Clear, candid communication about options and risks
(No outcome guaranteed; each case is unique.)

Areas We Serve

Utah: Salt Lake City, Orem, Ogden, St. George …
Idaho: Boise, Meridian, Nampa …
Colorado: Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs …

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